Questions about direct commissioning into USAF as a psych nurse?

[Lsmi163]

Hello,

I am currently in the USAF National Guard and have serval questions for my fellow Airmen that are currently nurses.

I am finishing up my associates, and will begin start the bridge program to get my BSN. I wanted to commission to the Active Duty side, but before I do I want to make sure I have all my facts straight.

Please keep in mind, that I am aware that I will need my BSN before I commission and that I plan to do a direct commission because my enlisted contract will end before I am finished with school.

1. I was informed that due to the military's high demand of nurses, that they are giving incoming nurses the rank of captain (0-3) upon entering. I will have a minimum of at least one year experience as a RN before commissioning; however I was given mixed reviews about this. Some individuals stating that you don't need any experience and others stating that they only will give you a higher rank than 2lt if you have several years of experience.

2. I want to ONLY do psych nursing, and will have a certification to do so. Is it possible for me to only commission into this field?

3. If it is possible for me to only commission into psych nursing, I was informed there are only two bases I can be stationed at: Lackland AFB in San Antonio and another base in Farifield, CA. is this true?

4. Does the Air Force still offer loan repayment to commissioning nurses? If they do, will I still receive the bonus that is involved?

Thank you for any advice you can give me. I wanted to make sure I talked to actual USAF nurses seeing that recruiters are the perfect salesmen!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Your rank will be based on years of nursing experience. As for the rest your recruiter is the best source. As you know, once you enter they can assign you to any duty they like. I would find the type of psych unit you want to work at and contact the OIC. They might be able to hire you into a job, but I'm guessing. I was hired into my Guard job and will stay here as long as my unit keeps rolling.